[WVatv]

I am new to the site........looks like a great site and look forward to visiting more often.
I have and 07 Rubicon 4X4. Haven't really done any major mods as of yet. I have been wanting to somehow put a toggle switch of some sort for my handlebar headlight and was wandering if anyone has done the same and can offer some insight. I like the light but when you have something on the front rack, the light reflects back to me and thought it would be nice to have the option of turning it off when needed. The two main front lights offer plenty of light. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[tomgodd]

Welcome to the Forums!! Never messed with atv lighting. I would love to help. I am sure you will have some responses soon. Saber or Moose will have some Ideas. Stay tuned!!

 

[jrowe06]

it should be as easy as finding + lead wire for that light right behind it and cutting it and adding a toggle switch.

 

[Saber6]

I agree^^^^ An inline switch setup.

 

[tomgodd]

Told you somebody would help!

 

[WVatv]

Thanks all. I'll give it a shot.

 

[Redracer]

That's exactly what I was thinking, just put a switch inline.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

I strongly suggest that you install a relay between the switch and the lights, technicaly toggles are not designed to carry the full load of the power even though people do it but I think that's mainly because they see a relay and freak out. they are actually quite simple. Here is an example I foud this was easier than typing it out.

www.the12volt.com

click on the relay section you will see a basic diagram.

it should be as easy as finding + lead wire for that light right behind it and cutting it and adding a toggle switch.

 

[Redracer]

If the fuse for the light is a 30 amp fuse, wouldn't it be fine if you put a 50 amp toggle switch? That is what my buddy did to bypass my start button for a race... it worked fine.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

As I stated yes you can do it that way but think of your car every component eg. lights, fan, wipers, ect. have switches as well as fuses. but they also have a relay this was merely a suggestion like good, better, best you know with the relay being better, best would be installing a diode between the trigger switch to control current spikes when you shut off your switch or turn it on. Again this was just my suggestion. I have hooked switches up like you had done and they have worked fine.

If the fuse for the light is a 30 amp fuse, wouldn't it be fine if you put a 50 amp toggle switch? That is what my buddy did to bypass my start button for a race... it worked fine.

 

[tomgodd]

Agree^^^^^^^

 

[Redracer]

I don't know squat about electrical, was more curious than suggesting.

 

[Pain]

I'm going to play devils advocate and say that they have relays because it's cheaper, not necessarily because it's better, at least not electrically. Cheaper is better, so that makes it better to the bottom line, and possibly to the weight of the vehicle in the long run.

In manufacturing, they get the relay for about 5 cents a pop when bought by the gabillion, but the cost of the copper wire the size required to carry 30 amps is cost prohibitive, not to mention to manufacturing cost of the wire harness...it's easier to work with 16 gauge wire than 8 or 10 gauge.

But, the point is well taken that it may also be cheaper for the home mechanic to run a relay for the same reason, and it certainly would prevent running a huge wire up to the handlebars. :icon_ rocker:

 

[tomgodd]

Agree^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Pain]

BTW. I just read the original question:redface:

The headlight has a high and low beam. If it were me, I would investigate switching the ground to the bulb, if that is possible. That way, you only have to switch one wire, instead of 2.

I do not know if the headlight assembly is grounded, or if there is a ground wire running to the bulb socket, but that's the first thing I'd look at.